Verdi: La Traviata

La Traviata Glyndebourne Giuseppe Verdi based his three act opera La traviata on La dame aux Camélias, a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, fils. The title La traviata literally means The Fallen Woman, and it was originally called Violetta, after the main character, a beautiful courtesan. Violetta abandons her happy but empty life in Paris and takes up with young nobleman Alfred Germont. His father demands that Violetta leaves as the relationship disgraces the Germont family name. Violetta agrees for Alfredo's sake and is abandoned by everyone until Alfred discovers the truth and begs her to forgive him. Verdi and his Italian librettist Francesco Maria Piave wanted to follow Dumas in giving the opera a contemporary setting, but the authorities at La Fenice insisted that it be set in the past. It was not until the 1880s that the composer s original wishes were carried out and realistic productions were staged. This Blu-ray release a live recording of Verdi's tragic masterpiece in an elegant production directed by Tom Cairns at Glyndebourne Opera House in 2014. Violetta's death is cast as an idée fixe, creating a liberating framework that is well supported by Hildegard Bechtler's smart, semi-abstract designs. Described as a soprano of huge presence, compelling to watch , Bolshoi star Venera Gimadieva is thrilling (Guardian) in her company debut as the doomed courtesan, well matched by American tenor Michael Fabiano's sharply suited and robustly-sung Alfredo (Financial Times), with Tassis Christoyannis delivering an imposing performance as the formidable Germont Père. Conductor Mark Elder reveals his mastery of the opera's dramatic shape, coaxing each and every nuance out of the London Philharmonic Orchestra to create beautifully stylish music-making. Extras include interviews with Mark Elder and the cast as well as a stills gallery. --New Classics, Aug'15

Language: English
Subtitles: English, French, German, Japanese, Korean
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.78:1